With things a little more clear after UFC 81 in the heavyweight division, within a month we will see who may be next in line for the title shot at UFC 82. Andrei Arlovski vs. Jake O'Brien at UFC 82 will probably dictate if we see Arlovski in the UFC again soon. With this his last fight on his contract, and unwillingness to sign an extension for less than he wants, a loss would have the UFC showing him the exit. A win however, may make them think twice about letting him jump ship, no matter the cost to the company. O’Brien is coming off both a win and a serious injury that kept him away from fighting for the past year. Bet on UFC 82 at BodogLife.com.
Just in this week, the Arlovski fight will be on the preliminary card. You will see it unless Zuffa wants to show it if time permits.
In the same night, Cheick Kongo faces Heath Herring dictating who else will be making waves in the weight class. Herring, famous from his K-1 pre-fight knock out of his opponent who kissed him during Ref’s instructions, came to the UFC with a boring loss to the above mentioned O’Brien in January of 2007. He was paid $60,000 to show up that night and received no win bonus. Assuming he is paid the same amount to show up this time, I hope he can also claim a win bonus on next year’s taxes. He is a great guy in person and very humble.
Frank Mir looked impressive this past weekend. His ability to take a beating along with a little luck because the ref noticed a few shots to the back of Mir’s head, would serve Mir well. One cannot forget to also mention that Mir’s impressive submission skills also benefited him greatly. Had Tim Sylvia also won, it could have made for a reason to have Mir get a title shot as a rematch from the famous title bout that left Sylvia with a broken arm and Mir with the belt. Mir however has not earned a bout with Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, so possibly the fans will see Mir taking on one of the winners at UFC 82 or possibly a non-title bout with Sylvia.
With Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira’s win, it is more likely than had Sylvia won, to see randy Couture back in the eight sided cage. It is still unlikely he will return, but he already had returned once to destroy Sylvia, the incentive would be nil to do so again. At least with Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, it would be a competitive fight people had requested to see. Bet on UFC 82 at BodogLife.com.
Finally, it is hard to ignore Fedor’s absence from the octagon. One internet forum blogger put it right: one may feel slightly guilty for wishing bad on M-1 and hoping for its collapse, but it just might be the only way to see Fedor against anyone both skilled and well known to the American public.
